Kingsley entered first, with Dudley and the others following closely behind.
"Don't touch anything here carelessly," Cole warned Dudley from behind.
"Understood," Dudley nodded and looked around with obvious curiosity.
There were countless strange and peculiar objects here. Dudley observed a pair of withered human hands, a stack of bloodstained cards, a vacant eyeball, and grotesque masks scattered throughout the shop.
Almost all of these items carried the distinct aura of Dark Magic, making Dudley feel like he had stepped into a supernatural marketplace of forbidden artifacts.
Ding-a-ling...
Kingsley rang the small bell on the counter.
Before long, a hunched, hunchbacked man appeared behind the counter. His hair was so greasy it gleamed with an oily sheen, even more pronounced than Snape's perpetually unwashed locks. He used his hand to slick his hair back, essentially using accumulated grease as pomade.
"Mr. Shacklebolt, what favorable wind brought you here? What an unexpected honor," Borgin said upon seeing Kingsley, appearing somewhat surprised but immediately adopting a subservient tone.
"We're here to investigate several Dark Magic items to determine if they were sold from your establishment," Kingsley stated directly.
"How could that be possible? The things I sell here are all perfectly..." Borgin immediately began protesting.
"Mr. Borgin," Kingsley interrupted the shopkeeper and fixed him with an intense stare.
"Oh, well then, whatever requires investigation, please let me know," Borgin said after glancing nervously at Dudley and the other Aurors.
Obviously, Borgin and Kingsley knew each other, or at least knew of each other's reputations. To successfully operate the largest Dark Magic items shop in a place like Knockturn Alley, this Borgin was definitely no ordinary merchant.
Neither could truly threaten the other, so all that remained was maintaining superficial cooperation.
"I want to know if you've ever encountered a dirty mirror," Kingsley said, roughly describing the Soul Requiem Mirror and its ability to pull people into dreams.
"A mirror... let me consider this carefully," Borgin fell into deep contemplation.
Soon, he raised his head with recognition. "There was indeed such a mirror, but it wasn't sold from my shop. About three months ago, I saw someone selling it in Knockturn Alley."
"Who was this person?" Kingsley immediately pressed for details.
The other Aurors also perked up with renewed interest. After such extensive investigation, they had finally discovered a useful lead. And three months ago coincided exactly with when the first wizard murder case had begun.
"My apologies, Mr. Shacklebolt, but I don't know who that person was. You understand, we people here never inquire about each other's identities. I merely observed him selling at a street stall outside," Borgin explained with obvious caution.
Kingsley frowned but gestured for Borgin to continue his account.
"I originally wanted to purchase that mirror because I thought it seemed quite intriguing. Not like a typical Dark Magic item, but possessing some genuine magical abilities," Borgin continued.
"Unfortunately, that person considered my offer too low and refused the transaction," Borgin shook his head with apparent regret.
Kingsley's frown deepened with frustration. "And then what happened?"
Borgin shook his head again. "There was no 'then.' Later, when I decided I could raise my price somewhat, I went to find him, but he had already disappeared."
Hearing this disappointing conclusion, the expressions of Kingsley and his colleagues became noticeably grim. They had finally uncovered a promising clue, only to have it terminate so abruptly.
"Perhaps you could inquire with others. The other shops in Knockturn Alley might have purchased that mirror," Borgin suggested helpfully.
"Excuse me, besides selling that mirror, was that person offering other items as well?" Dudley spoke up for the first time.
Borgin didn't respond immediately but looked questioningly at Kingsley. Obviously, in his estimation, a child's inquiry didn't warrant a direct answer.
"Answer his question," Kingsley commanded firmly.
Borgin appeared somewhat surprised. He studied Dudley with renewed interest, then spoke slowly. "Besides the mirror, there were various other intriguing trinkets. Things like withered skulls, a strange comb, a gleaming golden ring, some cards, and numerous other miscellaneous objects."
"You understand, there are many people setting up street stalls outside selling such merchandise. You could step outside right now and observe quite a few similar vendors."
"Ring, cards, comb..." Dudley silently catalogued these items in his memory.
Whether the ring was the Sun Ring remained difficult to determine, what exactly the cards represented was unclear, and the comb provided even fewer identifying clues. However, the appearance of these items together was enough to capture Dudley's attention.
After all, it seemed quite reasonable that someone who possessed the Soul Requiem Mirror might have obtained other sealed artifacts as well.
"Please, Mr. Borgin, describe that person's physical characteristics," Kingsley requested, seeing that no additional useful information was forthcoming.
"Certainly," Borgin began, providing a detailed description of the mysterious seller, while Cole and the other Aurors started wandering around the shop, freely examining various suspicious items.
Borgin's expression grew increasingly uncomfortable, but he didn't attempt to stop their investigation.
Only after Borgin finished his complete description did Cole and the others search even more thoroughly throughout the establishment.
"Mr. Shacklebolt, what exactly are you doing?" Borgin finally couldn't tolerate the intrusion and spoke up with obvious irritation.
"Looking for evidence. This concerns several wizards who were mysteriously murdered. What's the problem, Mr. Borgin? Are you going to prevent us from conducting our investigation?" Kingsley looked at Borgin with calm authority.
After a tense moment, Borgin took a deep breath and forced an unconvincing smile. "Please, make yourselves completely at home."
Kingsley wasn't polite and personally began examining those magical artifacts with professional thoroughness.
Borgin watched in frustrated silence for a while, then suddenly approached Dudley with a forced smile.
Dudley was currently examining the withered human hand display.
"This is a Hand of Glory. You have excellent taste," Borgin introduced with practiced enthusiasm. "Insert a candle, and only the person holding it can see the light it produces. It's the most reliable friend of thieves and burglars."
"Would you be interested in purchasing it?"
Dudley shook his head firmly. "Quite an interesting ability indeed. However, do you think I resemble a thief or burglar?"
"Of course not, my sincere apologies," Borgin quickly backtracked.
Dudley didn't dwell on this awkward exchange. His attention then shifted to the stack of bloodstained cards positioned nearby.
"Ah, Misfortune Cards. Simply drop your enemy's blood onto them, and that person will be plagued by terrible luck, possibly even dying from some tragic accident. An excellent tool for revenge. Would you like to purchase a complete set?" Borgin continued his sales pitch with obvious relish.
Dudley studied those cards with genuine surprise. The abilities of these Dark Magic items seemed to have reached the potency level of some sealed artifacts.
The Hand of Glory was one thing, but these Misfortune Cards were remarkably dangerous. They could potentially kill without leaving obvious traces. However, Dudley couldn't be certain whether Borgin's claims were entirely accurate. If being "plagued by bad luck" meant minor inconveniences like choking on water or tripping while walking, then the effect wouldn't be particularly significant. Moreover, he needed to understand whether the effect was immediate. If so, then these Misfortune Cards could prove useful in direct combat situations. Otherwise, they would amount to little more than elaborate toys.
Dudley withdrew his attention and focused on the glass eyeball displayed on the opposite side.
Seeing this shift in interest, Borgin approached again, preparing to introduce another item to his potential young customer.
But Dudley frowned and turned to look behind him with sudden alertness.
Ever since entering Borgin and Burkes, Dudley had felt like someone was observing him. This sensation had been steadily intensifying until now, when Dudley finally pinpointed the source of that unsettling gaze.
Through the shop window of Borgin and Burkes, Dudley could see that on Knockturn Alley outside, a wizard in a black cloak was secretly watching in his direction with obvious intent.